How to Make a Star Vanish

One of the brightest stars in the sky will vanish in the wee hours of the morning Thursday, but only for a few seconds. Astronomers have predicted an impressive asteroid occultation, which occurs when the rocky objects pass in front of stars and temporarily block their light, at about 2:06 a.m. EDT, when the star Regulus will disappear for 14 seconds. The event will be visible with the naked eye, but only to northerners in New York City and parts of Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, upstate New York, and Ontario. According to Sky & Telescope, those interested in catching a glimpse of the rare event should head outside a few minutes beforehand and face the moon. Extend your arms straight outward to form a T-shape with your body, and Regulus, the brightest star in the area, should be above your right hand at about the same height as the moon.